Alhaji Azeem Gbolarumi graduated from the school of politics of the late Chief Adedibu and was a veritable tool of the late garrison commander of Ibadan politics. A former deputy governor who served for only 11 months, he is far from someone who can fly a party’s flag in election.
Teslim Folarin, former senate leader, was born in 1963 and served in the senate between 2003 and 2011, representing Oyo Central. A protégé of late Adedibu, he is relying so heavily on the powers that be at the federal level, especially at the National Assembly.
Dr. Owolabi Babalola is a medical doctor and protégé of Alao-Akala. Though a former commissioner for health in the state, he is not perceived as a strong politician.
Kehinde Olaosebikan, a practising journalist until late Lam Adesina appointed him as chief press secretary, was the caretaker chairman of Oluyole local government. He is, however, not seen as a threat to the other contenders, especially with his being perceived as a political flirt who pitches his tent only where there is personal gain.
Engr. Femi Babalola, an Ibadan-based businessman and owner of Jogor Centre, is coming into secular politics for the first time. Apart from the fact that he is an inexperienced politician, he is standing trial along with Alao-Akala over an alleged N11.5 billion fraud.
Taofeek Arapaja, a political godson of late Adedibu, is a former deputy governor and currently, a serving ambassador in Iraq. For now, his presence is not felt in the state.
Dr. Azeem Adeduntan, a US-based vascular surgeon and consultant who contested for governorship in 2011 on LP platform, recently joined PDP and signified his intention to participate in the governorship race. Feelers from the party reveal that he has been told to be patient because he met some aspirants on ground that had been in the party for long.
Comrade Abiala, a teacher and labour activist who retired from active service as the secretary, NUT, Oyo State chapter, is new in secular politics and his party does not have the wherewithal to do battle with candidates from established parties.
Sarafadeen Ali, former secretary to the state government under Ladoja, was a chieftain of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and a member of Ajimobi’s Transition Committee that ushered in the present administration in Oyo State. He defected to LP recently and signified his intention to run for the governorship position. He is an astute politician but the chances of his party succeeding are very slim.
Chief Akinyo Nurudeen Owolabi was special adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Local Government. He is not a household name in the state.
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